+ 69
Appalachian Trail: Fontana Dam to Newfound Gap
Hiking Trail
Hard
40.72 mi
12,410 ft
The approach to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This route begins at Fontana Dam and takes you through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. According to Wikipedia, "Fontana is the tallest dam in the Eastern United States, and at the time of its construction, it was the fourth tallest dam in the world." Beginning on the east side of the dam, cross over it and onto a short piece of road. Following the white blazes, you will eventually merge onto singletrack and begin climbing. The majority of this segment is very arduous, yet rewarding as the AT ascends to countless knobs, mountains, and other picturesque formations. The closer one gets to Clingmans Dome, the more trail intersections you will encounter. While some of them can create shorter day hike options, many of them lead deeper into a portion of the park. This particular stretch is where many hikers get disoriented and/or lost. Many shelters along this stretch allow for the route to be divided into multiple days. Upon reaching Clingmans Dome, it is less than 8 miles to Newfound Gap Road. For a shorter day hike option, park there or at one of the parking areas on the Clingmans Dome Access Road for an out and back option. For the lesser adventurous, Clingmans Dome Road is seasonally accessible by car. Sources: Written by Brendon Voelker
This route begins at Fontana Dam and takes you through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. According to Wikipedia, "Fontana is the tallest dam in the Eastern United States, and at the time of its construction, it was the fourth tallest dam in the world." Beginning on the east side of the dam, cross over it and onto a short piece of road. Following the white blazes, you will eventually merge onto singletrack and begin climbing. The majority of this segment is very arduous, yet rewarding as the AT ascends to countless knobs, mountains, and other picturesque formations. The closer one gets to Clingmans Dome, the more trail intersections you will encounter. While some of them can create shorter day hike options, many of them lead deeper into a portion of the park. This particular stretch is where many hikers get disoriented and/or lost. Many shelters along this stretch allow for the route to be divided into multiple days. Upon reaching Clingmans Dome, it is less than 8 miles to Newfound Gap Road. For a shorter day hike option, park there or at one of the parking areas on the Clingmans Dome Access Road for an out and back option. For the lesser adventurous, Clingmans Dome Road is seasonally accessible by car. Sources: Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 2.78 mi | 1,759 ft | 12.0% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.20 mi | 197 ft | 18.1% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.30 mi | 302 ft | 18.8% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.38 mi | 154 ft | 7.6% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.51 mi | 344 ft | 12.6% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.41 mi | 167 ft | 7.6% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.88 mi | 354 ft | 7.6% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.90 mi | 390 ft | 8.2% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.79 mi | 410 ft | 9.8% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.75 mi | 240 ft | 6.0% |
| Laurel Creek Rd Climb | 1.63 mi | 741 ft | 8.6% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.21 mi | 246 ft | 22.0% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.35 mi | 194 ft | 10.4% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.49 mi | 220 ft | 8.4% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.41 mi | 279 ft | 12.7% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 1.02 mi | 499 ft | 9.2% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.34 mi | 151 ft | 8.3% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.34 mi | 154 ft | 8.4% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.51 mi | 285 ft | 10.6% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.87 mi | 397 ft | 8.6% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.57 mi | 413 ft | 13.7% |